Princess Marietta’s Wedding - Her Husband is Too Dreamy!

Chapter 1: The Marriage was arranged

“Marietta, your marriage has been decided.”

“……Marriage?” Summoned by her father, the king of Stellaus, Marietta steeled herself for whatever bad news might come after seeing his grave countenance. However, upon hearing the subject was her marriage, she couldn’t help but be confused. Wasn’t marriage…a good thing?

Her father was always going on about how he’d find a wonderful husband for his third daughter, Marietta. As the youngest princess, she was always fawned over by her elder brothers and sisters, as well as her parents. In such an environment, most princesses would grow up selfish and spoiled, but thankfully Marietta was a gentle girl; all the love she received turned her into a charming young lady.

She was also already 18. It wouldn’t have been odd for her to have a fiance at that age, so getting betrothed now should be a matter of course.

“Oh, that’s so wonderful, thank you father! So, tell me, who is it?” Marietta held her hands in front of her chest, waiting excitedly for her father’s reply. Standing that way, the fair, blond-haired, blue-eyed Marietta looked like an adorable doll. He must be royalty. How old is he? What color is his hair? What colored eyes would hold me in their visage? “Oh, do you happen to have a portrait of him?”

“Indeed……we do have a portrait. However, he is not of royal blood……” Marietta’s eyes suddenly locked onto her father, and the king of Stellaus continued in a quiet tone. “He is a General. Belvant Fergus, the General of Oltaire, is to be your husband.”

“A General?”

“That’s right.”

“Oltaire? The superpower Oltaire? ……Did something happen, some urgent military matter, to make you need a relationship with them?”

“…Truly you are a clever girl, Marietta.” Reflecting in the king’s eyes was his sweet Marietta, whose adorable appearance belied her wisdom and intellect, and his expression became strained. “And you are correct.”

“Then, could it be that by marrying this General we will be able to avoid some kind of war?”

“How did you know?”

“If we were to form a solid relationship with Oltaire, we would have the power to refuse unreasonable demands from other countries.”

“But still, how did you arrive at that conclusion?”

“Because, Father, you are always going on about how you’ll find me the perfect prince to live a peaceful life with. But now, you’re suddenly talking of handing me over to a General from the militant superpower Oltaire. If my memory serves me right, Oltaire has no princes of a marriageable age at the moment.”

“You are right. The only remaining unwed prince is just 4-years old. What’s more, the Oltaire royal family is currently looking to bestow a reward upon their General; such as a princess from an allied country.”

“And I qualify as such a prize, is what you’re saying.” Marietta did not mind of course, and nodded her head in understanding. “As a member of the royal family, I am fully prepared to marry for the sake of the country. To be able to do this for my people fills me with happiness.”

“Oh Marietta, such generosity.”

“Father, I am already 18 and a proper adult.” Marietta raised her chin sharply, as if to say ‘look how I’ve matured’…and failed. Her body was both short and slender. Her older sisters were all voluptuous in the chest, but, how would one describe it…it was quite obvious her chest was nigh nonexistent. She had truly believed that one day she would blossom as her sisters did, but at 18 years of age, such a thing had yet to occur.

That’s why, with her body like that, you could describe her with a single word: cute.

“Now then, what kind of person is this General? I would appreciate it if you could tell me.”

“Yes, you see…”

General Fergus. Before that name typically appeared titles the likes of “He Who Silences Crying Children (out of fear)”, or “Advent of the Fearsome Demon Lord”, and so on and so forth. Born into the lower nobility, with his strength and sharp intellect he quickly rose to the rank of General at the young age of 30. His glare alone caused small animals to hide, and even the branches of immovable trees would tremble. When he stepped onto the battlefield no enemy would live to tell the tale, and whatever the circumstances, without batting an eyelash, even against the most well-laid plans he could forcibly bring about victory from under his opponent’s feet; he was a warrior, fierce and terrifying as a god.

Thus, the king of Stellaus went to extreme lengths to beat around the bush as long as possible in his explanation to Marietta. “And that, is his portrait.” The chamberlain came in carrying the portrait under his arm and presented it to the princess.

Depicted in the portrait, his body indeed looked strong, and from his light brown hair to his icey blue stare piercing through Marietta, he did look like a demon…no, like a warrior. There may have been some artistic liberties taken by the painter, but it still exuded a fair amount of intensity. The portrait had revealed a man that could easily crush Marietta’s throat with a single hand.

“He also…appears to be quite tall.” Seeing Marietta trembling while covering her mouth with both hands made the king of Stellaus’ heart clench. “He could probably easily lift me with one hand.”

“I-I hear he’s both a strong and good-looking man. Marietta, I believe he’s a man who would protect someone as lovely as you.”

“Yes……I get that impression. I’m certain he would be my knight in shining armor……” Marietta had become teary-eyed. “It’s decided, Father, I shall go to this man. How soon until I depart for Oltaire?”

“In one week’s time……”

“As you wish. I must hurry and pack my belongings. …May I take this painting with me?” the young girl requested, and the king of Stellaus was no longer able to hold back his tears.

****

“This is the man who will become my husband……?” Upon returning to her room, Marietta closely examined the painting of her ferociously-faced fiance again. “How……how dreamy he is!” She was so deeply affected that, while teary eyed, Marietta’s face turned bright red as she softly exclaimed to herself.

“Such a strong physique with taut muscles, I’m certain he wields the sword as lightly as a feather. He could easily sweep me off my feet with one arm……eee, I’m so embarrassed!” Daydreaming about her expressionless knight embracing her, Marietta writhed about bashfully by herself. He’s like an aloof knight from a fairy tale brought to life. Whatever shall I do, my heart will beat out of my chest if I don’t see him soon.

“My Lord Belvant……My Lord Husband……” Marietta’s white fingers caressed the painting, and then she hugged it. “I’m so happy! I can’t wait, simply can’t wait to see him! My dreamy General!”

After all, Princess Marietta was a girl with a muscle fetish.

Chapter 2: How do you do?

“Princess, could it be that you’re shivering?” Marietta was indeed shaking, and her reliable lady-in-waiting was quick to say something. “It is a bit chilly inside the carriage. Shall I prepare another blanket for you?”

“Oh my, I am quite all right, Sierra. I assure you, it is not because I am cold.” Marietta was on board the carriage to Oltaire. The carriage rocked everyday for 10 days, and it had only been 4 days since they crossed the border into Oltaire. It was a royal carriage of fine make, but even so it was a bit of a rough journey for a young lady’s body. Still, beneath her bottom were plenty of cushions, and between her curiosity and energy, Marietta was even able to enjoy sleeping outdoors. After all, her husband awaited her at the end of the journey.

She even had the portrait of General Belvant Fergus packed amongst her things. She really wanted to have it displayed inside the carriage to gaze upon until she got her fill, but as she was not alone, it would have been too embarrassing of a deed. Thus she had not. Still, just remembering his visage made her unintentionally giddy with thoughts about her still-unseen husband, but when she came back to her senses, she was so embarrassed she began to shake.

Even so, her very capable lady-in-waiting was scarier than a demon, and had already collected considerable intel on General Fergus. Oh my poor, dear, Princess. By all rights, you should have been married off to a more kind and wonderful gentlemen from a royal family. You shouldn’t have to become the bride of such a vulgar and fearsome man. I’m aware you’re trying to not worry anybody by hiding behind a mask of eagerness, but from time to time your shivering body belies your fears, of that I have no doubt. Sierra was quietly moved to tears. Though I may be lacking in ability, I must protect my princess as much as I am able.

Unaware of Sierra’s new resolve, Marietta gazed at the scenery outside of the small window before saying, “My, it looks as though different plants grow in the forests of Oltaire. I wonder if different animals also live here? I’m looking forward to living in this new land.”

“……So it would appear. It would be wonderful to find beautiful flowers or adorable animals to put you at ease, My Princess.”

“Yes, that would be nice……kyaaa!” The carriage suddenly lurched, causing Marietta scream.

“What’s going on?” Hearing the unusual clamor occurring outside, Sierra concluded they must be in a state of emergency, and hid the princess under a blanket.

“Enemy attack! We’re under attack!”

The carriage was apparently under attack by an unknown assailant. The guards brandished their swords, and the ear-splitting sounds of metallic clangs rang out.

“She should be in the carriage, drag her out!”

Sierra took out her self-defence knife, and readied herself for intruders at the carriage’s entrance. The assailants were most likely after Marietta.

“Sierra…”

“There’s no need to fear, My Princess, I will protect you.” Despite their peril, Sierra smiled sweetly as she normally did.

The carriage door wrenched open, and the moment the man appeared, Sierra’s boots connected with his face. “Gwaa!” With a kick strong enough to fracture bones, the man fell back right where he stood.

“Fuck, you shitty little…” From behind, another man raised his sword, aiming for Sierra, when suddenly—

“Gwaaaa!!” The man’s eyes widened as he let out a last dying scream before disappearing from Marietta’s sight.

“What happened?” Peeking out from beneath the blanket to see what was going on, the sight outside the carriage made Marietta catch her breath.

“You sure have some guts, going after my future wife.” There stood General Belvant Fergus, holding a bloodied sword in his right hand, fearsomely showered in the blood of his enemies.

“Ah……” Without it even having to be said, Marietta knew she was looking at her future husband, Belvant.

“Princess Marietta, are you injured?”

“……No, I haven’t been wounded, but My Lord Fergus, there’s blood……” Her betrothed covered in so much blood, he must surely be injured somewhere! Was he okay?!

Thinking such thoughts, the very smell of blood caused Marietta to choke, her face grew pale very quickly, and she soon collapsed onto Sierra.

“My Princess! Don’t force yourself!” While caring for Marietta, Sierra glared at the General. Sierra mistakenly thought that seeing his frightening blood-soaked appearance had caused Marietta to feel unwell.

“……Did I frighten you? My apologies.” Belvant should have been the hero, saving his wife from such a crisis, but instead he spoke quietly, turned back, and mounted his horse. “I’ll head back ahead of you. I need two groups, one to guard and one to cleanup this mess, then follow after me.”

“Understood, sir!”

Belvant’s brow furrowed deeply as he found Marietta even more fragile and lovely than in her portrait. “……This won’t do. Someone like me marrying a princess, it’s absurd.” Then why does my chest feel as if it’s in pain? Belvant knew that all the women in the world were frightened by him, yet being rejected by Marietta had unknowingly damaged him.

****

Around the time Belvant was fiercely spurring his horse into action, Marietta was taking a strong alcohol as a tonic, and the gallant figure of her future husband in her memories became stained with red.

He appeared out of nowhere like the wind to save me, rounded up all the ruffians, and just like the wind disappeared again. Yes, he had nary a wound for me to sooth, he was that strong and sturdy of a man. Yes, just like a knight in a fairytale……Ah, My Lord Belvant, you are too dreamy! Even more dreamy than your portrait……Oh, how I hope to see you again soon.

Once again, Marietta fell in love with her tall and strong future husband.

Chapter 3: Just from remembering it

“So you mean to say it was the dissenters, the ones that didn’t of approve of strengthening our bond with another country, and thus my marriage with Princess Marietta? What fools.” Belvant got the assailants to spit out what information they knew. It would seem that the political investment in the marriage caused those who felt it was worthless to act.

Trivial things like political power and privileges caused people to attack my bride-to-be. Did they think they’d grab ahold of some kind of weakness? So annoying. If that’s how it’s going to be, I’ll just investigate them myself, and give them a little taste of hell on earth. For whoever decided to become my enemy, I’ll carefully drive them into a corner. They won’t dare think of trying such a thing again, Belvant thought, and his expression turned downright demonic. Obviously, the people that didn’t know him well shuddered in his presence, but even those that knew his true disposition were trembling.

“Calm down, Belvant. We’ll capture the perpetrator soon.”

“Of course we will. As if I would let off anyone who chooses to antagonize the likes of me.” When he first heard that the king of Oltaire had betrothed him to a princess of a foreign country, his face had warped at the superfluousness of it all, but this was a political marriage for the sake of the country. Because this was the reality of the situation, he had reluctantly agreed. Thinking that this was just something that came with the prestigious position of a General, he had chosen to stifle his feelings on the matter, and was prepared to accept a minor inconvenience. Even when he received notice of the enemy attack, he only thought that they mustn’t lose such an important political pawn, and quickly headed out to exterminate the rabble. And yet……

[“There’s blood……”]

Her lovely face, frightened by the bloodshed. Her eyes suddenly closed as she fainted without warning; such a delicate girl.

The princess was already 12 years his junior, and in order to protect her country, she offered herself up to a man with a terrifying reputation. Still, he couldn’t see her as anything but a young girl. I don’t like this. Just about everything is aggravating.

“Too scary! Your face is at the level that I’ll be frightened in my dreams tonight!” Belvant had known his good-humored friend Adran from an early age. Bevant’s face sent a chill up Adran’s spine, turning his face pale, and practically made him scream. “Settle down, and calm yourself. Anyway, no matter how much more you torture those thugs, keep in mind it won’t heal the princess’ emotional scars. Instead, you should be thinking about how to soothe the princess’ heart.”

Adran had always acted as Belvant’s support, from the time when they were both squires all through their rise in the ranks, and yet Adran’s words made Belvant’s brow furrow. “Soothe her heart? Why must I be the one to do that?”

“Wha-, but, she’s going to be your wife, right? She came all this way to marry you. Can you imagine how forlorn this young lady must feel? Seeing that terrible gaze of yours, why, if you’re not the one to soothe her, who will be?”

“So you’re saying that it’s part of my duty to her?”

“Now look here……yes, yes, that’s exactly it, it’s your duty as a General. It’s for the sake of the country even!” Adran was this close to sighing, he had no idea when his friend had strayed so far from the path of a gentleman.

“……I see, so it’s like that. Well then, shall I present her with the heads of her attackers?”

Adran immediately screamed “NO!” as Belvant’s thought process went in the total opposite direction. “What are you going to do if you frighten her even more?! No, no, you have to soothe her gently. Look you, there’s a limit to how much you can not know about a woman’s heart.”

“Soothe her heart……just, how exactly do I do that?”

“How do you do that? You’re a General, aren’t you? Isn’t thinking up strategies your main job?! Plus, this is about your own bride! What are you gonna do if you always have to ask other people for help, isn’t the most sincere way to think of something yourself?”

“Is…that how is it……?” The thick arms of his large body folded together as he nodded. He nodded, but……for the first time, Belvant couldn’t think of anything to follow up with. Agreeing and tilting his head to the side to contemplate was the most he could manage.

“……Um, but well, if someone as inexperienced with women as you were to ask, I wouldn’t be reluctant to offering some advice.” Worried about the unusually meek-looking Belvant, Adran went back on his words and tossed a lifeline to his friend. “First, getting her a present might be nice. Finding something you think the Princess might like and giving it to her would be nice, don’t you think? If you were going to get a present, what would you want?”

“What I want right now is a new whetstone for my sword.”

“That isn’t something normal people want! ……No, no, it was my fault for asking. What would a young princess desire to make her feel welcomed……?”

“What would you give a woman when you want to court her?”

“For a fling, maybe something like flowers, if I’m serious, then jewelry.”

“Jewelry?”

“It’s better than a whetstone. For now, let’s focus on jewels.”

“I understand. Then go pick out something appropriate for me.”

“Why you!”

“It’s fine, I’ll be the one paying for it.”

“Damn right you are!”

‘If you keep up that kind of attitude you’ll be dumped before the wedding even happens!’ Belvant heard Adran say as he quickly left to make a full report to the king.

****

“Oo, you were simply too amazing, My Lord Belvant……” Invited to the royal palace as the guest of honor during her betrothal period and tired from the long journey, Marietta let out a sweet sigh while washing in the bath. She soaked in the grandiose bath surrounded by the beautiful fragrance of flower petals, courtesy of Oltaire, and gently floated about the scented water. Afterwards, she changed into a dress that was easy to move in, and let herself sink into the cushions of the sofa. Then, she sighed again as she repeatedly replayed her very brief meeting with Belvant in her mind. Her face turned a bright shade of red in a very unladylike fashion, and Marietta buried her head in the cushions.

Keeping watch over Marietta, the lady-in-waiting Sierra scowled. She’s so exhausted, she’s done nothing but sigh……and it’s no wonder, she’s going to have to marry that terrible General. Just thinking about him makes me shiver, when it comes to that blood-soaked man……Aah, now she’s hiding her face from the world. Surely, she’s trying to not worry me. Not only is my princess lovely, but also wise and kind. So why, why, must she be with such a savage man……

At that moment, there was a knock at the door and someone spoke. The lone lady-in-waiting dealt with the matter, and soon returned carrying a small box and a bouquet of roses.

“I present gifts for the Princess from General Belvant Fergus.”

“Oh my, for me, from My Lord Belvant?” Marietta accepted the gifts with an enthusiastic,beaming expression. “Oh, how lovely. This is the first time I’ve seen such dark roses turn pink on the tips of the petals.”

“I shall arrange them in a vase.”

Marietta handed the bouquet to Sierra, and then undid the ribbon wrapped around the small box. What could be inside? My Lord Belvant gave something to me……I’m so happy! Even though he must be so busy, he was still worried about me.

With the extent of Belvant’s thoughtfulness and simple-mindedness unknown to Marietta, she happily opened the box.

Chapter 4: And they met

“Oh, how beautiful!” Marietta gleefully and quietly exclaimed while looking at the contents of Belvant’s gift. They were earrings fitted with teardrop-shaped jewels that shone in a light blue color. Marietta took hold of them between her thin, white fingers, and gazed upon the complex cut of the jewels as they sparkled with a surprising amount of light. She could tell they were goods of the highest quality.

“Surely……these must be Oltaire diamonds?”

“Oltaire diamonds?”

“Yes, these jewels are a special product from this country, diamonds with a peculiar light blue color. They are very expensive, and I have never seen any so large as these.” With her wealth of knowledge, including that of jewels, even the lady-in-waiting Sierra was in awe as she explained.

“Are they truly……they are very magnificent jewels. After all, this color and radiance, they remind me of My Lord Belvant’s eyes.”

[Princess Marietta, are you injured?]

He had defeated the villains, and spoken Marietta’s name in his low, composed voice with his strong and gallant figure. He had even looked directly at her with his ice-blue eyes. More imposing than his portrait, she remembered her heart being struck by his bright and clear eyes.

[Princess Marietta]

That man, the man I so secretly desire, appeared before me and spoke my name, and even held me in his eyes, thought Marietta as her heartstrings quivered, and her heart ached for him.

“For the General to chose such a clever gift was truthfully outside my calculations. To think that he would select a jewel bearing the same color as his eyes…” Such was Sierra’s surprise that she muttered such things to herself.

“Oh my, aren’t they though? The same as My Lord Belvant’s……that he would bequeath me with this color…”

‘I want to dye you in my colors.’ Naturally, there must be such a passionate meaning behind it……or perhaps even a declaration of love.

“My Lord Belvant……oh what things does My Lord Belvant wish to do to me with his color? Aaah…” The earrings fell from her trembling fingers with a distinct ‘plop’. I’m so embarrassed, no elated, positively elated! Could it be that My Lord Belvant is pleased with me as well? Oh whatever shall I do……my heart won’t stop pounding. Oh, I wonder what part of me My Lord Belvant will want to dye first?

Marietta’s mind entered ‘flower garden mode’ and her face became so hotly flushed she had to hide it in her hands. Unconsciously, she shook her head back and forth as her imagination ran wild.

“My Princess, has your mood run afoul?”

“No, I am quite all right. It’s just, I, some intense palpitations have hold of my heart, please do not worry about it.” Marietta remembered the calm and capable lady-in-waiting watching over her and immediately restrained herself, holding up her enlivened head as if nothing was wrong to keep up appearances. It would simply not do for a princess from a foreign country to be writhing about in such an improper manner whilst thinking about a man. “Uuum……oh yes, I must express my gratitude! What shall I prepare, a written letter perhaps? Sierra, have you any stationary?”

“Firstly, I believe it would be best for you to get some rest. There is still the evening meal yet left for today, and since you will be seated next to General Fergus, could you not use that opportunity to express your gratitude?”

“Oh, I shall be able to meet with him, won’t I?” Marietta’s voice shook from anticipation and anxiety.

Hearing that, the aggravated Sierra drew back as her eyebrows raised. You’ll be all right, My Princess. I shall be by your side the entire time. Even if he’s the General of a large country, should he show you any disrespect, I shall swiftly reprimand him. Sierra was strong-willed, and it showed in her feelings towards her princess as an excellent lady-in-waiting, despite all the misunderstandings.

“Now then, I would like to adorn myself with this present post haste. And what dress do you think I should wear with them?”

“My Princess, please take a moment to settle down. I will prepare you some tea for now. In the meantime, please select a dress to match your new earrings.” Sierra helped calm her mistress, and added some herbs to the tea to settle the princess’ feelings.

Of course, the lady-in-waiting had in mind that she was soothing the princess because ‘Princess Marietta must be so frightened at having to be near such a demonic man‘, and in the end misinterpreted the intense palpitations for General Belvant Fergus. Thus she did her best to put the girl at ease.

****

“We welcome you for coming from your far away land, Princess Marietta.”

“I am most humbly delighted upon this occasion to accept your gracious words, Your Majesty.”

Summoned to a special room before dinner, Marietta met with Oltaire’s king. The king was over 40 years old, a handsome man in the prime of his life, meeting with the youngest princess of Stellaus. She was, as the rumors had said, a gentle and lovely princess, and the king was quite taken with her. And yet……

Even though he was a well-featured, fine looking man when you looked at him closely , General Belvant Fergus’ unsociability and ferocious strength frightened women. When the king remembered that this adorable girl had no choice but to marry that man, his heart ached.

“General Fergus is a warrior with dauntless courage, which is nothing to say of his surprising capability as a strategist. Due to his great and excellent talents, my country does not lack for power. With the fine relation of the wedding between the beautiful princess of Stellaus and the General of Oltaire, the bond between our two countries shall strengthen. Above all else, I believe you two shall suit each other. I pray for this husband and wife pair to live long and prosper.”

“Yes, I thank you for your kind words.” Marietta’s cheeks were innocently dyed red with a blush.

But all those present, except for Marietta, were secretly retorting in their minds, ‘They don’t suit each other at all! Your Majesty is trying too hard to make them seem like a good couple!‘ though they could not say such things out loud.

Even the king himself thought such things must be left unsaid, Forgive me, I apologize. The General isn’t a bad person, but I hope you can put up with him.

****

Compared to Oltaire, the country of Stellaus was quite small. For that reason, when Marietta first visited Oltaire, she was bewildered by the great scale of everything. However, thanks to the royal education she received when she was younger, proper diplomatic etiquette was second nature, and she was able to conduct herself graciously without revealing any of her true feelings.

The introductory dinner was held in one of the massive palace’s rooms. Due to the queen’s consideration, in order to not need to be as strict, only a small number of people were invited.

“Suddenly thrust into a marriage and coming to a foreign country, you must surely feel some unease. If it would please you, you may also seek me out for advice, and come to think of us as your parents in this country, Princess Marietta.” The royal lady wanted to be amiable in politics. Simply because she was born to royalty, this young girl had to be part of a political marriage of convenience with only a portait by which she could use to know her betrothed. This made the queen greatly sympathize with her. Moreover, her partner was that General Fergus. For conducting herself with courage, the queen was also quite taken with the lovely princess, and from the bottom of her heart wanted to become a support for the girl. That General has no idea how to deal with ladies. If he starts to behave outrageously, I will absolutely not stand for it.

Unaware of what was happening, Belvant was being treated like a wild animal and making enemies everywhere.

And then, Belvant was late for dinner.

For the General, everyday was full to the brim with work, but today, the day his bride-to-be was to arrive, he should have had the day off. However, from the moment he rushed out to save Marietta from the attack, he’d been drowned in an overwhelming mountain of paperwork. In order to clarify the details of the incident, he’d busted his butt even more than usual and fell into a mess. Always zealous about work, Belvant hadn’t even stopped to eat anything. However, his lieutenant Adran had proceeded to beat some common sense into the man, and as soon as he finished up his work he immediately headed for his seat at the dinner table.

“I apologize for my tardiness.” Belvant appeared, sporting a sour look on his face that gave no indication of actually being apologetic. The royal husband and wife sighed inwardly, while Marietta’s throbbing heart threatened to leap out of her chest.

Chapter 5: He’s a Dreamy Gentleman

Seeing Belvant enter the room dressed simply in his military uniform, Marietta rose from her seat to greet him, but found her eyes captured elsewhere.

The deep blue, practical work clothes reinforced Belvant’s intrepid aura. With his tall stature and thick chest between broad shoulders, he reached a full two heads taller than Marietta. The reliable muscles stretched across his body formed an appropriate figure for the man called the Guardian (or Devil) of Oltaire.

Such a dreamy gentleman. How could I ever encounter such a man.

The sheltered Marietta had certainly seen the royal guards tasked with protecting her, but those who had wielded their sword on a true battleground, soldiers forced across scenes of carnage, had always been beyond her world. Though she had been introduced to men at dinner parties as well, and they certainly were talented in dancing and tasteful dialogue, each and every one was merely an aristocrat focusing upon his own position.

As she paused in her thoughts, Belvant’s eyes were also captured by the risen Marietta.

In the effort to make prominent her gifted earrings, Marietta had done up her blonde hair and wrapped around her body a light rose coloured dress. The skirt portion’s subdued chiffon and lace arrangement lent a gentle and tender atmosphere, such that Marietta appeared like a delicate flower sprite. Her deep eyes, as clear blue as a sunny sky, were fixed upon Belvant, the wide open, round, cherubic pools rousing the image of an innocent kitten. The full, pink lips upon her small, white face, slightly parted as she attempted to let out her lovely voice, seemed to hold the power to charm men’s hearts into a torrent.

In this moment, as the couple fixed eyes upon each other, the assorted gallery around them constructed their own markedly different understanding of the atmosphere.

The one who broke the strange tension in the air was Marietta. Her face holding a soft blush, she bent her lovely waist towards the man decided to be her husband, her figure the very image of a refined woman.

Propelled to action, the king hurriedly arranged his words.

“… General Fargus, this is Princess Marietta, who is to become thy wife.”

“I am Marietta. I would like to thank you for your timely rescue a short time ago. It is a great pleasure to be able to meet the honorable General Fargus. Please grant me your favor in the days to come.”

“Right.”

Is that it?! The silent retort washed across the room.

“Also, I sincerely thank you for the lovely flowers and wonderful gift. I am greatly obliged to Sir General’s solicitude.”

“… ‘s that so.”

And! A! Gain! Couldn’t you say just a bit more!

Before even considering the one receiving this attitude was his future wife, Belvant’s sheer unsociability shocked the surroundings.

As Marietta raised her head, her eyes fixed themselves on Belvant’s own ice blue irises. Jewels of that exact color swayed with her movement and bumped against her cheeks. Filled with a strange awareness, Marietta grew embarrassed. Unable to withstand the feeling, she cast down her eyes and restrained her mouth with a hand.

It’s useless, he’s so beyond dreamy that my heart can’t take it.

“Princess, are you alright?”

At Marietta’s side, her acquaintance Sierra quietly supported her body.

“Yes, thank you. I am fine.”

Marietta gave Sierra a soft smile, the lovestruck maiden’s eyes teary in heartache and bashfulness. At her pitiful appearance, the surroundings saw a fairy that had been frightened by meeting a vicious beast of prey, or so they wrongly guessed.

“Ah, you must be hungry after your long trip right? Please, continue your meal.”

With another misunderstanding, this one born from ignorance of romance, the general also assumed his seat for the meal. It seemed the innocent Marietta’s love would face many difficulties.

“Well then princess, please sleep well.”

“Good night, Sierra. Thank you again for another day’s service today.”

“Please think nothing of it.”

At her master’s usual honest consideration, Sierra gave a brilliant smile as she bowed her head.

She had a truly kind and magnificent princess, she thought. Sierra loved her princess beyond mere loyalty, and wished only for Marietta’s happiness.

As her reliable attendant left, Marietta was left alone on her bed.

“Kyaaaa! Lovely, dreamy, he’s just so cool!”

With the covers firmly over her head so that her voice wouldn’t leak, she was free to writhe about to her heart’s content. Between her ragged breath and suspiciously glittering eyes, the figure of a refined lady had long since departed.

“Sir Belvant, so large and sturdy, so good looking, so ohmygosh, what do I do! I think my heart is beating strong enough to burst from my chest! That man, my beloved husband? Goodness. Goodness! I think I will have a nosebleed. If we are married, we will touch, right? I wonder if he’ll also want to share a touch, or a k-kiss! Our faces will come together right, and, ah, I’m nervous merely thinking of it! And then, our l-lips, kyaaaa!”

Simply considering a kiss was enough to stimulate the innocent Marietta. She had never truly considered such a thing before.

“That’s right, it would be terrible to make a mistake due to nerves, so it would be good to practice.”

Leaping from the bed, her nightgown rustled as she fished through her luggage and produced the carefully transported portrait. Then, she sat once more upon her bed, an image of Belvant from the chest up cradled between her hands.

“… I’m so happy I was able to meet you today, Sir Belvant. If you would take me as your bride…”

And so, with eyes closed, the portrait inched towards her lips.

“Ah, that’s not right; it’s not good practice if I can’t properly see your face.”

As she snapped her eyes open and saw the portrait above her, Marietta’s face flushed.

“I-I can’t!”

Her hands flew from the portrait as she grasped her pillow and tumbled about the bed.

“How can I do the impossible? I can’t endure it! Sir Belvant is beyond dreamy! Please forgive me, but for today I can only do this much.”

Marietta stood the portrait on a nearby table, angling it so that she could see it from her bed.

“… Good night, Sir Belvant.”

Facing the arranged portrait, Marietta blew a kiss. Then, softly squealing in glee as her face blushed bright red, she hugged her pillow close and, a smile floating across her lips, gradually fell asleep.

Chapter 6: It’s a Date

Now, as the pure Marietta grew excited thinking about kisses, the surrounding impure… no, pragmatic adults, were caught up in a more serious worry: the approaching wedding night. Because Marietta and Belvant would be married, they would, by definition of marriage, live the life of a married couple.

“If pressed for my judgement on the matter, Your Majesty, I can only assume General Fargus has, up until now, seemed to hold an inclination towards voluptuous women.”

The lower official presenting this information to Oltaire’s king in a deadly serious voice was Adlan, Belvant’s childhood friend. When the king first commanded him to share information following his recent visit to the brothels, he had been shocked, but soon consented with the thought ‘oh, so that’s the reason’.

“Furthermore, it has been confirmed that a man matching his appearance was seen entering the bath equipped with a weapon of much greater size than normal.”

“Hm, so is it exactly as I thought?… In passing, though the general has no experience in a woman’s care, is there any indication that he has enough knowledge to handle such a thing?”

“No, well, I have not considered things to that extent at all. Though, I dare say he is likely inexperienced in terms of romance simply considering how little interaction with women his occupation calls for.”

Adlan, who had been with Belvant since their teenage years, felt he had a fair outline of Belvant’s relation with the female population. He also held a good idea of the women that could accept his solidly built body. Marietta, at least, did not look like any of the women that had drawn Belvant’s gaze.

“According to our information, Princess Marietta is the apple of the King of Stellaus’s eye, and his affectionate upbringing bordered on doting. Regarding her sheltered lifestyle, it seems we aren’t even sure of what she has been instructed, to say nothing of her feelings on men’s physiques or…”

“Hrm, that is so, no? For a princess who has no relation with men outside her family, to abruptly receive a wedding like this and such is…”

If, on the wedding night, the general arrived and expressionlessly set upon his new wife… It was the recipe for a picture of Hell. Fortunately, the king wasn’t the sort to derive pleasure at the thought of a darling princess’s cries and tears.

“Adlan, have the General take a short holiday. This is a terrible yet delicate problem; while the surroundings may not agree with this decision, we must absolutely prevent a situation where the General damages the Princess. The General and Princess Marietta must slowly improve their intimacy. This way, if Our words are properly understood, the situation might yet work itself out. Otherwise, though this plan will of course be quite hard on the princess, a failure here could easily lead to an international dispute.”

With the words of His Royal Highness, it was decided that Belvant and Marietta would have a date. And so, the “Make Belvant Intimate with the Princess for sure!” orders were passed down.

[This page came out in two days because of motivation from pageviews!]

“By horse…?”

“Yes, ‘prepare for an excursion on horseback’ were the instructions, however…”

Sierra replied with a depressed look.

A few days had passed since the dinner meeting, and although Marietta had received flowers from the general every day, there had been no chance to meet with the ever-busy Belvant. Of course, those flowers were a part of Adlan’s diligent arrangements.

In order to have some respite from work (though really under Adlan’s orders) and to meet the princess, General Belvant sent an invitation to Marietta that they get to know each other better, and she had seemed ready to hop around in joy when she received it. However, feeling that it would be improper to show such immodest behavior in front of others, she repressed her excitement.

Oh Princess, trembling and tottering like that. It’s not unreasonable, seeing as she will be traveling out alone with that strict giant. I wish that I could follow behind them on horseback, but…

Sierra could only breathe a sigh for her worry.

After aimlessly wandering about the room in joy and tension for a while, Marietta lowered herself onto the sofa.

“I wonder if I brought riding clothes?”

“Yes, I will prepare you presently.”

From the open luggage, Sierra retrieved a set of flexible women’s trousers, a comfortable, relaxed shirt blouse, and a soft riding jacket.

“It’s exciting, my first time going out in a while. With the wedding’s sundry preparations, I haven’t set foot outside for some time. I wonder if that was causing Sir Belvant worry.”

For her to take it upon herself not to show her anxiety to the surroundings, my princess is too kind, too pitiful…

As she assisted her lady into her clothes, Sierra was shedding tears in heart.

“That’s certainly… a horse, but…”

Arriving near Belvant’s stables as instructed, Marietta opened her eyes wide. The reins in the general’s hand led to an animal that was most definitely a horse. However, it was much different from the horses Marietta knew; this enormous, burly creature was what one would call a warhorse.

“Princess, this is my favorite horse. His name is Mistral.”

“My, he seems an exceedingly handsome horse, is he not.”

“He is quite brave, never faltering when plunging into enemy lines. He has saved my life many times over.”

“He is quite reliable then.”

“Today, we will ride him.”

The wounds across Mistral’s forehead were proof of how he faced enemies head on. The shameless and dangerous look in his eyes, resemblant of his owner Belvant’s aura, made Marietta feel quite out of place when he glanced at her.

Marietta thought that it was a good thing she had not arrived in a dress. She had no doubt that she could not ride side-saddle on such a horse. If she wasn’t frantically clinging to its back, she could only imagine herself tumbling off.

Belvant lightly stepped up and settled into Mistral’s saddle, then extended a hand to Marietta. She tried to take his hand… but couldn’t reach it. Mistral was simply too large.

Belvant knit his brows, then, dismounting, he placed his hands around Marietta’s hips and lifted her off the ground.

“Eep-!”

As she was raised higher and higher, Marietta experienced an overpowering sense of vertigo. By the time she could think, she was already straddling the warhorse. In response to her suddenly staggering elevation, she clung to the saddle in front of her as Belvant quickly took his place astride the horse behind her with a soft rustle.

“Let’s go.”

Belvant’s right hand took hold of the reins as his left encircled Marietta’s waist. With a soft kick to Mistral’s side to signal their departure, the horse began trotting onwards.

“!”

Marietta swallowed the reflexive yelp that leapt up her throat. If she didn’t grit her teeth, she likely would have bitten her tongue.

Dashing across meadows, their path at length led to a road through a forest.

As one might expect, riding a horse at such a speed requires a fair amount of physical strength. While keeping one’s body upright for balance could be difficult enough, a rider must also shift their strength in their legs with the movements of the horse to soften the impact of each step. Even so, because of her inexperience with warhorses, it required all of Marietta’s focus merely to keep from falling off the horse as it ran. Thankfully, because Belvant’s arm was around her waist, and his carefully applied strength kept her stuck firm to his body, she had just enough support to feel like she was floating.

Sir Belvant…

Through today’s light garments, the simple trousers, blouse, and even her riding jacket, Marietta could feel every tense movement of his muscles and the heat of his body.

So close to Sir Belvant, I can feel his solid muscles, ah, what do I do, I’m so embarrassed, so beyond blessed, so probably getting a nosebleed

And then, the thick, brazen left arm encircling Marietta’s waist brushed against her breast, modest though they were. For Marietta, who had naturally never been held so close to a man before, the tension, the bashfulness, and being pressed against her beloved Belvant, her palpitating heart threatened to burst with every quickened beat.

Sir Belvant, my own Sir Knight, you are simply too dashing…

Marietta’s eyes grew misty as her emotions overtook her, leaving her oblivious to the beautiful scenery around her.

Chapter 7: The Princess-Carried Princess

“We’re here.”

As Mistral came to a stop deep in the forest, Belvant smoothly dismounted and secured the reins to a nearby tree. Returning to Marietta, who couldn’t get down on her own, he placed his hands around her waist and gently lifted her off the saddle and set her feet to the ground.

“Ah-“

Even though she had had Belvant’s body supporting her, Marietta had still been shaken quite a bit atop the large warhorse, especially considering Mistral’s speed. Trembling spread from her knees up through her body, causing her to stagger, and she simply couldn’t put any strength into her legs. Her legs buckled, and she reached for the closest support… In short, a slim, white arm entangled around Belvant’s sturdy chest, and Marietta clung fast with an adorable squeeze.

“What’s wrong?”

The light Marietta clinging to him was no more inconvenient than a small bird resting on his shoulder, but for some reason, the sight of the young woman burying her blonde head against his chest stirred up unfamiliar, somewhat impatient feelings within the general.

“I’m terribly sorry, but I cannot seem to place any strength into my feet.

Feeling Belvant’s arm circle around and firmly support her, Marietta’s face dyed. Entrusting her body to the reliable arm, a strange, sweet tickling sensation crept through her chest. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she caught a full gulp of an aroma like sun-dried grass, the fragrance of her beloved Belvant, and once more her agitation shot into excess.

Oh no, how can he smell so amazing?

Marietta thought, embarrassed of how entranced she was with the unfamiliar scent.

While blushing through her cheeks and wishing she could stay this way forever, Marietta heard Belvant’s worried voice.

“… Are you unwell, Princess? Since you are not used to riding, was it too intense? My apologies.”

“No, I am fine.”

Shaking her head, Marietta looked straight up with her clear blue eyes as she clung to Belvant’s strong chest.

Ah, as I thought, he is truly lovely. His pale blue eyes shine like gems. That such a man could become my dear husband, it’s like a dream. My beloved, and mine alone.

“Truly, I find myself quite embarrassed. Also… Please do call me Marietta… Dear husband.”

“R-right-“

Belvant’s stern face grew red. If those who knew the usual general were present, they might mistake this for a harbinger of the cataclysm and try to flee the scene, but those people weren’t here in the forest. Away from everyone, unburdened by the title “Guardian Deity of Oltaire” in this time and place, Belvant was simply a man showing his honest feelings across his face.

“Just, we aren’t married yet, so, calling me ‘husband’ is…”

“Oh, certainly… That was inappropriate. Please excuse me, it appears I have been discourteous.”

Upon seeing Marietta’s sorrowful face, Belvant replied in a fluster.

“No, that’s, I didn’t mean to say it was inappropriate, or, please call me Belvant as well, Marietta.”

“Yes, Sir Belvant!”

With her wide eyes locked with his, and those full, pink lips calling out his name in such a delighted voice, Belvant unintentionally smiled.

“Marietta…”

Seeing the ever grim or expressionless Belvant smile for the first time, Marietta’s breath caught in her throat. She had known from the start that his fearless face was quite handsome. However, despite how he usually appeared to hold not even a fragment of softness, with merely this small movement of his lips, his beauty compounded. Marietta, who was already head over heels for her valiant warrior, found her gaze transfixed.

“Ye, s, Sir, Belvant…”

Her eyes were fixed upon him, spellbound, as her slim fingers tightly gripped at his shirt.

In Belvant’s case, with Adlan’s preparations and pressure from His Highness to accept the “Growing Intimate” plan, he had reluctantly come around to have this horseback excursion and date, but when her body had been glued to his, and he unexpectedly partook of her soft and pleasant fragrance, the situation of his lower body took an unexpected turn.

The two were alone within the forest. The innocent princess was entrusting her tottering body to him, hanging in his arms. Her misty eyes gazing hotly at him, her petal-pink lips calling his name… Was it a perfume, the princess’s fragrance, faintly drifting about like the aroma of flowers?

So she is to become my wife, this charming flower-sprite like princess…

Belvant’s hand unconsciously extended towards Marietta’s face. Imprisoned by the defenseless, deep blue eyes fixed upon him,

Belvant was drawn in, and the set of lips before his eyes were overlapped by his own.

His lips, they’re warm. Moreover, they’re soft too. Huh? Wait, is this the real Sir Belvant’s face, right in front of my eyes?

With her eyes wide open in surprise, Marietta’s every sensation converged upon her lips.

Oh, oh my goodness, I-, he-, it’s a kiss!

With their lips meeting in what could only be a kiss, Marietta’s hips gave out underneath her. As what little strength she had left in her knees evaporated, Belvant put more strength into the arm circling Marietta’s waist, completely supporting her body.

“Oh, are you alright?”

“Ah, um, I…”

Her face dyed, Marietta’s misty eyes looked at Belvant, then turned away, flustered.

“… Looks like standing is a bit rough, huh.”

With that, Belvant placed another hand under Marietta’s knees and lifted her into his arms. Unable to say a word, Marietta wrapped her arms around Belvant’s head and clung to him.

She seems almost completely like a panicked young squirrel.

As she charmingly drew close to him despite her flushed face, Belvant was hit again with the urge to meet her lips with his, but he endured the feeling and began to walk.

“There’s something I want to show you a bit further on.”

Belvant smiled at Marietta’s lovely behavior, and she blushed all the more seeing that enchanting smile once again. Carrying her with one hand, Belvant grabbed their luggage from his horse and began walking deeper into the forest. With a few steps, the trees opened up and before their eyes spread a beautiful lake. That lake encircled by trees, its surface glittering in the breeze, was a deep blue.

“Oh, it is so beautiful…”

“Its the same color as your eyes, I thought.”

Belvant responded, looking into her eyes.

“This deep color, I wanted to show it to you. I’m simply a boorish soldier, so I don’t understand what a princess might enjoy, and I don’t know how to spin pleasant words. No doubt you think ending up forced to marry such a man is a great misfortune, but… I will treat you with as much care as possible from here on.”

“That… I feel overjoyed to be able to receive such a lovely present. Besides… To call this a great misfortune would be…”

I would actually count it as a great fortune. Her mumbled words did not reach Belvant, but as she no longer appeared frightened, he was satisfied.

Thinking Marietta still looked unable to stand, Belvant lowered her onto nearby rock and set the luggage on the ground.

“The house chef provided a lunch set. Do you like picnics, Marietta?”

“Yes.”

“Is that so. I have only ever considered picnics in the context of camping, so I thought I would ask if women find them enjoyable.”

“I think being able to receive a meal amidst such beautiful scenery will be quite enjoyable.”

“It’s good if that is the case.”

A placemat was spread over the ground, and various things like tea, fruits, cakes, and small sandwiches were arranged.

“My, it all looks delicious.”

“Since I didn’t know what you liked, I prepared a lot. Let’s wash our hands at the lake and eat.”

Belvant once more embraced Marietta, carrying her to the shores of the lake before softly setting her down.

“Don’t fall.”

His hand steadily supported her back. Though Marietta held no experience with men holding her this way, she had already completely accustomed herself to Belvant, and after innocently washing her hands, she looked up to his face with a sweet smile.

“Now then, Sir Belvant is next.”

“… But, it would be frightening if I removed this hand and you fell.”

“It should be fine like this, I think.”

Marietta circled her arms around Belvant and clung to him.

“…”

Although modest, her soft chest pressed against his body, leaving him momentarily at a loss for words.

“I-is that so, hold on firmly.”

“Yes!”

Squeeeeze…

Though the king’s plan was for “growing intimate”, in no way did that translate to assailing her.

Though he was seriously disoriented by the young woman’s chest, the man known as a god-like demon scraped together every bit of his remaining sense.

“Ah… Marietta, make sure that you don’t embrace another man like that besides myself.”

Belvant said, affectionately patting her head and feigning calmness as he stood. Marietta also followed along, all but glued to him.

“Yes, besides Sir Belvant, I will not do such a thing with anyone else.”

Still unable to put strength into her legs, while her feet stumbled along, she clung to him desperately.

Gah, coming here may have been a tactical mistake.

He stooped down and once more took Marietta into his arms before turning his gaze to the sky.

Phew, it seems that I could still use some mental training…

Chapter 8: The Lion and the Fawn

When the two returned from their date on horseback, the assorted people waiting to confirm their safety breathed a collective sigh of relief. However, when they saw Belvant lift Marietta from the horse like a child, his left arm firmly about her, a shock ran through everyone present.

What is he doing, that beast!

“Marietta seems to be worn out after riding. I will escort her to her room.”

Marietta’s cheeks blushed slightly, and as she was basked in everyone’s observation, she trembled slightly within Belvant’s arm.

“I apologize for showing such an unsightly appearance. However, I… cannot seem to place any strength in my legs.”

WHAT DID HE DO, THAT BEAST!!

General Fargus Belvant’s reputation was at stake, but he indisputably did nothing questionable besides kissing.

Right, besides kissing.

[If you’re this far in the series and still using mean aggregate sites, I’m setting Belvant on you]

While gazing out over the sparkling lake, the two had cordially eaten their picnicking goods.

“Pardon, are you certain I am not too heavy upon your lap as I am?”

“Sorry, but when I grabbed a placemat, I didn’t think to bring a quality carpet. I can’t possibly let you dirty your clothes though, Marietta.”

“Still…”

“Since you’re light as a feather, there is really no problem.”

With his assurances firmly stated, Marietta lightly settled herself into Belvant’s well-muscled, sturdy lap and, with her heart thumping happily, began to eat.

Sir Belvant seems so gentle. Moreover, with how close we are, I am a little embarrassed, but at the same time this is so pleasant and fun! This is exactly like a lover’s date, isn’t it? Kya!

Marietta got excited all on her own inside her head.

Incidentally, Belvant truly felt it would be a shame to dirty the princess’ high class clothing, and didn’t particularly plan to pamper Marietta.

Nevertheless, as he watched the small and adorable Marietta nibble through fruit and sandwiches, smiling and laughing in spite of her shy nature, Belvant’s heart felt at ease. His face looked like anything but a demon; the sweet and clear smile upon his handsome face was a symbol of pure affection.

“Is it delicious?”

“Very”

“Be sure to eat plenty.”

“Yes.”

As he ferried each morsel to her, she would diligently eat. With her every bite, Belvant felt more and more as though he was feeding a small animal and relaxed.

“Come, Sir Belvant as well, you should eat some… Oh, it has already disappeared!”

As Belvant had already grown accustomed to finishing his meals quickly on the battlefield, he had long ago completely consumed his portion. Marietta tilted her head, but took one of her slices of fruit and lifted it to Belvant’s mouth.

“Here, Sir Belvant, aah…”

For Marietta, this was something her older brothers or sisters did relatively often, mainly feeding her sweets.

“No, well, I-“

He managed to say, before the piece of fruit found its way into his mouth, and he ended up chewing if he wanted to say more. And so, the guardian lion was force-fed.

“It is a delicious fruit, no?”

Marietta was innocently smiling, but for the completely disconnected Belvant, such a direct lover’s expression was a considerable shock. Covering his rebelliously blushing face with a hand, he looked aside to collect his breathing.

What even is this adorable creature?

Belvant had received immeasurable damage.

“This is certainly enjoyable. I do hope you might invite me along again.”

“… Indeed, let’s come again. I’ll make sure to bring you as many times as you like.”

Reflexively reaching out a hand, he stroked Marietta’s glossy hair. As he gently stroked her hair as though comforting a child, Marietta gave a slightly embarrassed laugh. Reaching up, she caught Belvant’s rugged hand between her own slender fingers.

“Such a large hand, and so strong.”

Held between her hands, she closely examined the masculine hand.

“Wielding a sword has given me more callouses than skin, so it’s quite thick. Your pardon; I suppose I might injure you if I touch you so casually with hands like these, Marietta.”

“That’s not true. These are splendid hands that have protected their country, and I like them very much.”

So Marietta said with a smile, as she pressed his hand softly against her cheek. Against the feeling of her soft skin, Belvant could only think that he wanted to feel more, and succumbed to his impulses. His hand glided gently over her face, before he slowly traced her lips with his fingertips.

“?”

Wondering what he was doing, Marietta raised her head, allowing Belvant to stare into her blue eyes. He embraced her shoulder, facing no resistance as his large body seemed to cloak her own, and took her luxuriantly pink and tender lips between his own in a kiss.

Ah, he has kissed me again. Sir Belvant, how I love you…

The sound of their lips meeting echoed out again and again. Though Marietta’s eyes were wide open on the outset, she grew conscious of the handsome face at point blank range and embarrassedly shut her eyes.

“You’re so soft, Marietta.”

Unable to successfully spin any words in reply, her lips merely gaped as his body leaned over her once more. With Marietta closing her eyes and seeming to accept the circumstances, Belvant’s offense gradually grew bolder as his impulses refused to be pinned down. Something warm and wet pressed into her lips time and again, and taking advantage of her moment of confusion, it trespassed between her lips.

“Mm?”

That thing… Belvant’s tongue ravaged around Marietta’s small mouth as it pleased, tickling every place in could inside her.

“Mm, hmm”

Marietta let leak a voice not unlike the soft whimpering of a puppy.

Oh no, what is this? What is happening to me?

Marietta, who only knew kissing to be bringing one’s lips together with their partner, was so bewildered by this deep kiss that she could not put forth any resistance. As it was, her small tongue kneaded in turn the slippery mass which stuffed her cheeks full. By guesswork, Marietta would at some moments lightly suck or bite at the tongue in her mouth, and at other times massage it with her own. The fed and now awakened lion caressed Marietta’s mouth as though attempting to directly assault her with his passion. At length, a thread of saliva spilled from her mouth, but even though it was embarrassing, she wasn’t able to wipe it away.

“Mm, mmmm”

Marietta mumbled somewhat reluctantly as, between the hand firmly holding the back of her head and her lips being greedily devoured from the front, she found herself unable to swallow a sufficient breath. They were only kissing, and yet a sweet numbness spread throughout her body, and from her abdomen she felt a strange heat growing. It was the first time she had ever sensed such a thing, though it was not unpleasant. Before long, Marietta’s mind had gone completely blank, and her exhausted body entrusted itself completely to Belvant.

The next thing she noticed, several of the buttons upon Marietta’s shirt blouse had been undone.

“Oh no-!”

With teary eyes, her face flushed and she covered her breasts, but with her lips trembling and still faintly discolored from the severe kiss, her appearance was one that could incite the carnal desire of any man. Belvant needed only remove Marietta’s hands from her chest, and he could bury his face into those faint bulges for a deep breath. With a gulp full of her sweet fragrance, he could rub his cheeks along her soft, white… He endured.

As one would expect from a militant country’s top general. With the tantalizing Marietta before him, softly and embarrassedly moaning, those feelings of wanting to stretch out his tongue and paint her in his colors, of leaving marks across her skin with his lips, of letting loose the fire burning below him, they were all reined back.

Well, he had already left a few kiss marks however.

“We’re returning.”

“Huh?”

As their bodies abruptly parted, Marietta was perplexed.

“The plan was to only… No, I mean, tomorrow seems like it will be very busy with arrangements and meetings and such. I had better return from this short break quickly.”

“That’s so, isn’t it.”

As expected, Sir Belvant is so responsible.

Not noticing Belvant’s simple evasion, Marietta praised him for his thoughtfulness. With her small, trembling fingers, Marietta absentmindedly refastened her loose buttons and arranged her appearance before attempting to stand from Belvant’s lap, but

“Well! I wonder just how I am to do this!”

Because of the vehement kisses, Marietta once more could put no strength into her legs. With an anxious expression, she desperately fought to stand while supporting herself with Belvant’s shoulder, but in the end she could only cling to his chest.

“… You are much too cute.”

Succumbing to the ferocious feeling of a lion presented with a newborn fawn, Belvant embraced the grumbling Marietta, burying his face against her shoulder. The frantic desire to consume her whole was an all but physical weight upon him, the scent from Marietta’s body only making him more and more giddy with each ragged breath, as the fire within him threatened to consume his body.

However, he endured. As one might expect, the general held a resolve of steel.

Yet, if the two of them remained alone as they were, Belvant judged that his self resolve would soon burn away to nothing, and quickly gathered Marietta in his arms again. Taking no heed of her physical ability to ride horseback again so soon, he hastily deposited Marietta atop his beloved horse Mistral, and the two hurried back to the royal castle together.

That was dangerous. As it was, that little spot in the grass nearly became the place I pushed down and ravaged a princess.

This was such a dreamy date. Riding on horseback was and is difficult, but all throughout Sir Belvant wanted me so close to him.

The veteran general and the pure princess were absorbed in their thoughts while the horse rocked beneath them. One could say their first date to become acquainted with each other had led to the best possible results.